Usher Raymond IV, was born on October 14, 1978 in Dallas, Texas. When he was only one, his mother relocated them to Chattanooga after his father walked out on them. At the age of nine, Usher began singing in his grandmother’s church choir. When Usher was 11 years old,

“I’m talking to the ladies, do you mind if I just take it nice and slow, I’m talking to the ladies, do you mind if I can take it nice and slow.” Known for his innovative dance style, sex appeal, and powerful voice, Usher is not only a singer, but he his also an actor, record producer, songwriter and music executive.

Before he was just Usher

Usher Raymond IV, was born on October 14, 1978 in Dallas, Texas. When he was only one, his mother relocated them to Chattanooga after his father walked out on them. At the age of nine, Usher began singing in his grandmother’s church choir. When Usher was 11 years old, he joined a boy group called, NuBeginnigs, that released an album in 2002, but it did not do well. Feeling that he could do better as a solo artist, Usher competed on the Star Search and was soon signed to LaFace Records. Usher recorded, Call Me a Mack, for the soundtrack for the film, Poetic Justice released in 1993.

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Usher released his self-titled debut album on August 30, 1994. The album reached #25 on the Billboard R&B Albums chart and was produced by Sean “Puffy” Combs and L. A. Reid. His debut single was, “Can U Get Wit It,” which was met with some controversy because of the subject of the song and Usher’s age at the time. He also released “Think of You” and “The Many Ways,” the album sold 500,000 in the first couple of weeks. After juggling high school and a budding music career and collaborating with Monica on the remake of “Let’s Straighten It Out”Usher released his sophomore album, My Way, in 1997.

He released the #1 single, “You Make Me Wanna,” which went both gold and platinum in the U.S. and the U.K This single also won a Soul Train Music Award for Best Male R&B Soul Single. His second single, the ballad, “Nice & Slow,” also reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and also certified platinum by the RIAA. Since then, My Way has gone platinum six times in the U.S alone. After touring with Janet Jackson and Mary J. Blige he released a concert album in 1999, which showcased artists like Shanice, Jagged Edge, Twista, and the infamous Lil’ Kim.

In 2001, Usher released his third album, 8701, with the #1 singles, “U Got It Bad” and “U Remind Me.” This album went platinum four times in the U.S alone. The fourth album, Confessions, which was released in 2004, is said to be one of Usher’s most personal albums his has ever created. The album won five Grammy Awards and has one triple platinum. Songs like, “Burn,” “Yeah,” and “Confessions Part II,” helped the album sell more than 10 million records, selling more than a million in the first week. His fifth album, Here I Stand, was just as successful as his previous works and also gave his fans a glimpse into his life with songs like, “Moving Mountains,” Love In This Club,” and Trading Places.”Usher released his latest album, Raymond vs. Raymond, in the midst of a divorce from his former stylist and the mother of his two children. The album was released in early March and has is said to have the same success as Confessions.

From Music to T.V.

Alongside another teen singer, Brandy, Usher had his debut television role on her hit show Moesha. In 1998, Usher was in the horror film, The Faculty, where he had a starring role. He also had major roles in Light It Up, She’s All That, Texas Rangers and American Dreams, in which he had the role of Marvin Gaye. He has also been on numerous TV. shows such as, 7TH Heaven, The Bold and the Beautiful, and Geppetto.

Did You Know..

… Usher’s album, Confessions, stayed on the Billboard 200 for 19 weeks in a row, which beat the record set by the Black Eyed Peas.

… Usher spent 22 weeks in the #1 spot in 2004.

… Usher spent more than 300 million to become part owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers

… There have been rumors that Usher was addicted to colonoscopies, rumored that he would have the procedure done at least once a week.